Preceptor Rotations

Dr. Nelson has not indicated availability for preceptor rotations at this time.

Faculty Mentorship

Dr. Nelson has not indicated availability as a mentor at this time.

Profile

Summary of Current Research

The long term goal of my laboratory is to elucidate the mechanisms of
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induced central nervous system (CNS)
disease in AIDS. A number of groups have observed malfunction of the
blood brain barrier (BBB) associated with HIV infection of brain
capillary endothelial (BCE) cells. We have established in vitro
cultures of primary BCE cells to examine the role of HIV in this
disease process. We have shown that HIV efficiently infects BCE but not
large vessel endothelial cells utilizing a unique receptor. In
addition, we have also demonstrated that different strains display a
preferential tropism for BCE cells and have mapped a unique HIV genetic
loci which determines viral replication. We have established an in vitro
model of the BBB which will be utilized to identify the mechanisms
through which HIV perturbs the barrier. We have also generated a simian
animal model to test predictions established in our HIV/BBB in vitro. A final future goal will identify the BCE cellular receptor which mediates HIV entry into these cells.